As the Fall months creep into our calendars, boat owners in cooler climates acknowledge, with sadness, that it’s time to put the boat away. Outside Storage? It’s a thought and an option but consider that you may be threatened by snow build up, tornadoes or hurricanes. The success of storing your boat outside depends on how well your boat is protected from the conditions outdoors.                          Rinse/Flush Rinsing the outside of your boat and trailer thoroughly with fresh water will remove excess salt. Pay particular attention to your trailer’s leaf springs, wheel hubs and brakes that are constantly submerged during launching and retrieval of your boat. Flush your engine's cooling system with fresh water in line with your engine manufacturer’s salt removal recommendations. This will minimize corrosion and overheating issues come spring. Drain your boat of all water – bilge, head, sink lines, water tanks, sea-cocks, and pipes. If you are in an area with extended periods of freezing, put antifreeze in the low parts if there is still some water present. Salt Watch out for salt. Buy a good salt remover to minimize corrosion. Add fuel stabilizer to top off your fuel tanks. Here is one recommended by CLR Marine. Diesel Formula Fuel Stabilizer & Performance Improver - 32oz *Case of 4* STA-BIL Diesel Formula Fuel Stabilizer is a diesel additive that keeps fuel fresh for quick, easy starts and maximized for engine performance. Designed for use with all diesel engines, and all diesel fuels, Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer Diesel formula prevents sludge and sediment formation, cleans and lubricates fuel injectors to improve performance and helps remove water. It is safe to use and recommended for use at every fill up, with the 32 ounce bottle treating up to 320 gallons of fuel. Batteries Remove the batteries from your boat and store in your garage or basement. Batteries should be connected to a battery charger that will give them a good charge and one that w automatically switches to a float/trickle charge to keep your batteries topped up. Match your charger to the type of battery you are charging. Using a charger manufactured for lead acid batteries to charge an AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery will cause damage to the battery. If you choose to keep your batteries in the boat, connect a solar trickle charger. These chargers will keep your batteries topped off without the hassle of removing heavy batteries from your boat. Cleaning Clean the exterior with the proper fiber glass or wood cleaner needed for your boat. Bright work can be cleaned by removing the wood or cleaning it as it is - installed. Be careful to not get the wood cleaner onto the deck surfaces. The exterior should be dried with a chamois cloth. Vinyl seat cushions and backs should be cleaned with vinyl cleaner. Hard surfaces inside the vessel can be wiped with all purpose cleaners. End your cleaning with a coat of wax to the exterior and polish. Don’t forget the bottom paint. Before you store, spend the time to give your boat a thorough cleaning. CLR Marine has many products by trusted brands such as Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, Jabsco, Shurhold, and Swobbit, to help winterize and clean. You will be grateful in the spring during launch time that your boat is already clean as the new boating season begins. Cover Up If you store outside in your yard, driveway, or a boat yard, a boat cover is a must to prevent damage from winter conditions. Leaving your boat in the water is not recommended. The boat is exposed to rough weather, and has a greater possibility of sinking if you aren’t monitoring it often. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/boat-outfitting/winter-covers.html and https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/winterizing.html Circle May 21, 2022, on your calendar. The date is almost ten days before Memorial Day, next year when most harbors open for the season. Start your prep work, tune-ups, sanding, and painting to get out on the water and a great boating season. In the meantime, during the cold winter months, cozy up to the fire and read your boating manuals, new safety regulations and weather information. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please get in touch with CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. _________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.  

New Boat Owner Cleaning Kit Includes: Hydro Protek Ceramic Coating Spray - 22oz Marine Ultra Concentrated Boat Wash - 32oz DeckSpray All Purpose Cleaner - 22oz Spray Ultra Soft Edgeless Microfiber Cloths - 5-Pack Hydro Protek Ceramic Coating Spray - 22oz Features: Produces a season long hydrophobic barrier Applies 4x faster than traditional waxes Creates the ultimate high gloss finish Repels water and residue, protecting against UV rays and oxidation Marine Ultra Concentrated Boat Wash - 32oz Creates thick, rich suds to remove algae, grime, oil, fish blood, salt and dirt from fiberglass, gel coat, metal and painted marine surfaces. This phosphate-free, biodegradable formula cleans without stripping waxes, rinses easily and leaves no residue.  Features: Phosphate-free, biodegradable formula Environmentally-friendly Can be used in a marina  Highly concentrated formula Delivers thick, rich suds at 1:400 dilution  Versatile use Ideal for fiberglass, gelcoat and painted finishes DeckSpray All Purpose Cleaner - 22oz Spray Powerful non-skid cleaner quickly removes black streaks, heavy soils, grease and grime. Features: Recommended for wax removal before applying HydroProtek Ceramic Coating Ideal for cleaning stubborn bilge and fish well stains Biodegradable, non-caustic, phosphate- free  Aluminum safe Ultra Soft Edgeless Microfiber Cloths - 5-Pack 400 gsm 16" x 16"

Boat Outfitting Equipment and Supplies When it comes time for outfitting your boat, you can get all your boating supplies and boating accessories from us. You will never need to go anywhere else for your boat outfitting, because we have all the boat supplies you need. If you're looking for anchors/chain/rope, anodes, antifouling systems or boarding ladders, we have you covered. We can also offer you a selection of bottom paint and bow thrusters to choose from. You may also want cleaning supplies that offer deck/galley options so you can get your boat sparkling and ready to enjoy. We also have display mounts and docking accessories to complete your outfitting needs.

It's that time again when Old Man Winter is shortening or ending our sailing season. Maybe you store your boat in a garage, barn, or at a marina. Now is the time to brush up on safe and useful storage tips.   1. When packing up, clean your electronics with a microfiber cloth by wiping down buttons and screens. A soft cloth is recommended with bottled water to clean screens that may have been stained by saltwater. Screen cleaners will not do the job. You may want to document the wiring so that installation is easy when you are ready to launch.   2. Drain your boat of all water – bilge, head, sink lines, water tanks, sea-cocks, and pipes. If you are in an area with extended periods of freezing, put antifreeze in the low parts if there is still some water present.   3. Remove all batteries. Charge your batteries, clean the terminals, and put a light coat of grease on the terminals. Store your batteries in a warm, dry place. Not in the boat.   4. Winterize the engine: Use fresh water to flush the engine, including the cooling system, to remove corrosion, dirt, salt, and residue Refill the cooling system with antifreeze. Warm up the engine to loosen impurities. Replace the oil and filters. Look for the residue of old oil. Remove and store all belts.   5. Fill the engine with gas and stabilizer. Run the engine for 15 minutes so that the mixture reaches the engine. If your engine uses E-10 fuel, take extra care in that it absorbs moisture ten times more than typical gasoline. (source: trailervalet.com).   6. A thorough cleaning of the boat before you store is a must, whether you have a small fishing boat or a six-cabin yacht. Soap and water will do a thorough job. Clean lockers, refrigerators, coolers, sinks, and cushions. Open all and allow to dry before you store. Next, clean the entire outside from bow to stern. End your cleaning with a coat of wax to the exterior and polish. Leaving a clean boat will make the launch process a lot easier when it's time.   7. Keeping mold and mildew at bay: Mildew comes from humidity. The best way to reduce humidity is ventilation. Although some skippers button up their boats to be airtight for the winter, there has to be some ventilation source. Use products that absorb moisture such as Damp Rid or purchase a dehumidifier such as Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifiers. Find and seal any leaks and keep the boat clean. Cover the boat with either shrink wrap or a boat cover.   8. Shrinkwrap or a canvas boat cover? Ratings and opinions from the Hull Truth Boating Forum suggest that canvas covers are a better option for durability and cost. The canvas covers can be used season after season. With shrink wrap covers, there is the cost of installation every year. One source said if you are north of Boston, shrink wrapping is preferable because snow will slide right off the plastic wrap, versus weighing down the canvas. Contributors also felt the boat stays cleaner with shrink wrap.      Remove boat cushions, or not? The jury is out about removing boat cushions. Many skippers remove all cushions and bedding. Others spray the cushion bottoms with anti-mold spray. If keeping cabin cushions on the boat, stand them up on end to reduce the chance of mold. Most important is to keep as much moisture out of the cabin, as mentioned above.   Do everything you can to keep your boat critter-free during the winter. Lock all windows. Many small, rabid animals, especially raccoons, are looking for a warm place to nest for the winter. Raccoons are drawn by any food left in boats and will chew carpeting and cushions. Once inside a locked boat, they have no way to exit since they have most likely fallen from an open window. The messes they leave, including their waste, can be very unpleasant and a costly wake-up call in the spring. Keep mice out by plugging up scuppers and vents. Many skippers use Dryer Fresh Cab rodent repellent hoping the strong scent will repel rodents.   Circle Saturday, May 22, 2021, on your calendar. That is almost ten days before Memorial Day, next year when most harbors open for the season. Start your prep work, tune-ups, sanding, and painting to get out on the water for a great boating season.   Fair Winds. Smooth Sailing     To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. __________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com    

      Sprayway manufactures a complete line of industrial MRO, automotive, screen print and housekeeping products since 1947. Sprayway has been an innovative industry leader, and its Sprayway Glass Cleaner is recognized as "The World's Best." From marine detailing to industrial maintenance, whether it is a detailing wax or an industrial lubricant, Sprayway provides wide-ranging industries with the products they need.     The World's Best Glass Cleaner - Excellent for windows, mirrors, windshields and other glass surfaces! For cleaning and polishing glass, mirrors, windshields and windows. This easy-to use, fast acting product uses a clinging foam to break up soils and hold them - even on vertical surfaces. There is no dripping, no running and no streaking. With an exclusive formulation using denatured alcohol and no ammonia, this product cleans thoroughly, dries quickly, requires no rinsing and leaves a pleasant, fresh aroma.   SHOP: https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/manufacturers/s/sprayway.html     Specials    Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

    Purchasing and owning a boat is a major investment. If you want to get the most from your investment, you must keep your boat in working order and in good condition.   Many new boat owners don’t know how to keep up with maintenance. Fortunately, it’s not impractical if you understand what boat maintenance entails and develop a system. Below, CLR Marine discusses some maintenance essentials to prolong your boat’s lifespan and avoid safety issues on the water!   Engines   No component is perhaps more critical than your boat’s engine. Engine failure is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous when you’re out on the water. That’s why it’s important to prepare and repair your engine while you’re on land and have access to the necessary parts.   There are many steps to checking and maintaining a boat engine, but here are a few of the most crucial ones   ●Replace all engine filters and fluids each year. ●Inspect all hoses and clamps, replacing them as needed. ●Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage, and replace any components that are not in tiptop shape.  ●Regularly evaluate the ventilation and exhaust systems. ●Regularly inspect the raw water pump, replacing the rubber impeller once a year.  ●Closely evaluate hoses, cables, and any other engine components.   The easiest way to keep up with the responsibilities is to use PDF files to track, update, and share maintenance schedules and duties. Use this tool to add pages to a PDF and easily modify the document as needed.   Electrical Components   Your boat’s electrical system is also challenging to maintain when you’re already on the water. Avoid leaving the radio, light, or other electrical parts on for extended periods when the engine is running; otherwise, you could face a dead battery.   Inspecting the battery and cable connection for corrosion and other damage is also a good idea. Replace the battery, cables, breakers, switches, fuses, and any other parts that need it. Further, you’ll want to ensure all the lights are functioning and that you have quality jumper cables for emergencies.   Hull, Propeller, and Motor   It’s critical to check the hull, propeller, and motor to ensure they are in top condition. Fight the temptation to procrastinate on replacing any necessary components until next season. The last thing you want to do is forget and face problems on the water.   The propellers should be properly secured, straight, and undamaged. Ensure the hull doesn’t have any distortions, cracks, or blisters, and give it a good deep cleaning. While you’re at it, evaluate your anchor and its rode to confirm they are up to the task.   Safety Gear   The importance of having a good set of jumper cables for emergencies. Several other items are necessary to protect you and others on the water. Make sure you have the following safety equipment and that they’re in working order:   ●Life jackets ●Fire extinguishers ●Carbon monoxide detector ●A basic first aid kit   ●An emergency signal kit   Cosmetics   Finally, you want to ensure your boat looks the part. This means cleaning it regularly and winterizing it for the cold months. Also, Make sure you have the right to use the right supplies and tactics to keep your vinyl upholstery sparkling and free of mildew stains.   Don’t allow your investment to go to waste. Keeping up with boat maintenance is essential for keeping your boat safe, functioning, and attractive. Coming up with a schedule and a checklist can make the difference between enjoying a long-lasting boat and paying for expensive repairs.     Would you like to read more helpful content or browse our wide selection of marine supplies? Visit CLRMarine.com today!   Written By Kelli Brewer

Choose Enviro-Friendly Products Flexdel's Aquagard products are considered "Environmentally Preferable" because they release low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and heavy metals compared to other competing products.   Flitz Products Are Safe For The Environment You can feel good knowing Flitz products are formulated to be safe for you and the environment. For over 30 years, Flitz has been a world leader in the manufacturing of Premium Polishing Products. During that time, the Flitz brand has become known as "The Good Stuff." Ask any user why they buy Flitz products and they will tell you, "Flitz just works the best".   Best Boat Cleaning Products Welcome to Shurhold's "One Handle Does It All!" system. This system quickly and easily allows you to snap over 40 different accessories to the same fixed length or telescoping handles. Shurhold understands that space is limited on your boat and storage is a premium. That is why these boat detailing products are designed to save you time, money and space. One handle on your boat can quickly snap to several different boat cleaning brushes, deck mops, or great boating attachments like a boat hook or paddle.   A More Efficient Way To Clean Swobbit is a more efficient way to clean. Swobbit offers a variety of products including washing brushes and tools, drying mops and cloths, water blades, scrub pads and plates, microfiber products and maintenance k its. The Swobbit System is everything you need to keep your boat looking as clean and new as the day you bought it.  

Happy New Year! This past year has been a time of tumultuous panoptic upsets: The pandemic, political unrest, and nature's mayhem of hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires. However, boaters still have our beautiful waterways, lakes, harbors, and our oceans to enjoy and use as an oasis of tranquility, peace, and sports. We eagerly look forward to the boat shows across the country to learn new techniques, sample new products, and get ready for a safe and fun-filled boating season. The following is a snapshot and calendar of 2021 Boat Shows going live and in-person and shows going virtual. Before attending an in-person show, please go to the show's link to find out about COVID-19 policies. The big three shows that draw national and international crowds are the Ft Lauderdale, Annapolis, and the Chicago Boat Shows. Chicago The Chicago Boat Show, usually held the second week of January, was cancelled for this year. Show promoters have told fans to plan on the in-person show from January 12-16, 2022. Annapolis, MD Annapolis, MD, promises a wonderful in-person United States Sailboat Show October 14-18, 2021, at the City Dock in beautiful downtown, historic Annapolis. This internationally acclaimed sailboat show is recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious sailboat show. Fort Lauderdale Miami -The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (or FLIBS as it is affectionately called) will be held October 27 - 31, 2021. The show claims to be the largest boat show globally, covering more than 2,992,367 square feet. The 2021 Boat Shows Cleveland Boat Show & Fishing Expo. January 15-24, 2021. Virtual Seattle Boat Show. January 28-31, 2021. Virtual  Michiana Boat & Sports Show February 19-21, 2021 The Boat Show in Springfield, IL February 26-28, 2021 Lake County Boat Show February 26-28, 2021 Akron Boat Show & Water Sports February/March 2021 Downtown Knoxville Boat Show March 4-7, 2021  World Fishing & Outdoor, Suffern, NY March 4-7, 2021  Orlando Boat Show  March 5-7, 2021 Atlantic City Boat Show April 7-11, 2021  Tampa Boat Show September 10-12, 2021 Norwalk Boat Show, Norwalk, CT September 23-26, 2021 2020 – Catalina Yachts Suffers Two Losses Frank Butler, the founder of Catalina Yachts, died in late November 2020. Frank Willis Butler, 92, president and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, died at Westlake Village on Nov. 15, 2020, from unexpected complications from a recent illness. Butler founded Catalina Yachts in 1969 in Hollywood, CA. The company has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States.Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore Charles Legeman said, "Frank Butler is the one person who helped take the Congressional Cup to the top level in the world by his donation of the Catalina 37s, which were specifically built for match racing." Catalina Yacht fleets of Catalina owners sprang up across the county. Many skippers, both of us included, owned Catalina sailboats throughout our sailing history. Catalina sailboats provided sailing ease in addition to sound design and were very forgiving for the less-than-experienced sailor. Another Blow to Catalina Yachts In mid-December of 2020, the Catalina Yacht factory in Largo, FL, was hit by a tornado. The high winds did extensive damage to the factory building, and boat molds that weigh 20,000 pounds were pushed around like paper. Sharon Day is the company's president and explained, "Workers at the plant work a 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift, so no workers were on duty when the tornado hit." As we venture into 2021, we wish our readers safe boating, fair winds, and smooth sailing. To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. ______________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com  

The Marine Retailers Association of America urges all its members  and there customers to contact their U.S. Senators, asking them to co-sponsor S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008.   Introduced earlier this month by Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., S. 2766 is similar to the Recreational Boating Act of 2007, which is pending in the House and Senate.   The bill would permanently restore a longstanding exemption for recreational boaters from federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.   The issue stems from a September 2006 U.S. District Court ruling that ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate ballast water discharges and mandated a deadline of September 2008 to put it in place.   “Congress has only six months to correct a terrible wrong imposed on recreational boating by a Federal District judge that would require every boat owner to obtain a yearly federal or state permit to operate every boat owned in every state the boat operates in,” MRAA said in its Dealer Alert. “The cost could go to $2,000 per boat, per state.”   These permits would apply to deck runoff, bilge water, engine cooling water and any other water-based operational discharge from a recreational boat. The fines based on citizen suits range up to $32,000 per day, according to the MRAA. The EPA is already writing the required new federal rule, which is set to go operational on Oct. 1.   The National Marine Manufacturers Association is also urging industry stakeholders to contact their senators to support the legislation.   “This issue has been a cloud hanging over our industry,” Scott Gudes, vice president of government relations for the NMMA, said in a statement. “Without legislative relief soon, everyday boaters would be required by federal law to apply for the same expensive permits as ocean-going commercial vessels and land-based industrial facilities.”   Visit www.boatblue.org. Once there, type in your zip code and click Send.

A revamped DiscoverBoating.com Web site officially launches today, featuring an updated look and several new, interactive features designed to show visitors how easy it is to become a boat owner.   “All of the new tools on DiscoverBoating.com, both active and planned, are designed to generate additional boating prospects, which is especially important this year for our industry stakeholders,” Carl Blackwell, vice president of marketing communications for Grow Boating, Inc. and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said this afternoon.   The site focuses on activities for boaters, while incorporating images of people partaking in fishing, sailing or watersports.      Consumers have the opportunity to select their activity of choice by clicking on the specific icon and are redirected to a page providing relevant information about that particular activity, including boat type selections, tips and resources.   “By increasing the focus on boating activities and making the site more interactive, we anticipate people will get that much more excited about getting out on the water and, ultimately, buying a boat,” said Armida Markarova, director of interactive marketing for Grow Boating Inc. and the NMMA, in a statement   DiscoverBoating.com also features the Boating Affordability Tool/Budget Planner, which compares the cost of boat ownership to several other popular family leisure activities.   Another new feature is the “Baby Boomer” section, which goes live this week. The Boomer section positions boating as the ideal activity to enrich a person's “Golden Years.” The Boomer section features a call to action for visitors to request a free copy of the “Get Started in Boating” DVD, experiment with the Boat Selector Tool and calculate the cost of boat ownership.   To answer pleas from wannabe boat owners, the Spousal Conversion Kit also launched this week as part of DiscoverBoating.com's overall redesign. The kit provides Web site visitors with a seven-step process to help convince their significant other that the time has come to purchase a boat.   Blackwell said recent media coverage of the Spousal Conversion Kit and our spokesperson, Mike Schmidt, a baseball hall-of-famer, has helped drive people to the Web site.   “Schmidt conducted countless interviews recalling his experiences talking his wife into allowing him to purchase a boat (eventually two boats) that were fun and entertaining,” Blackwell said. “It resulted in stations all across the country coming to us requesting interviews. The interview drove people back to DiscoverBoating.com, as Schmidt mentioned his experiences as a boater and angler and the time he spent on the Web site. The results far exceeded our expectations.”      For information about DiscoverBoating.com, contact Markarova at (312) 946-6284 or amarkarova@nmma.org.  

Towing & Trailering   Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating, and that's one of the reasons it's so popular. With a trailerable boat, you're free to boat on just about any lake, river, bay or inlet. Trailering is great way to explore different waterways in your state or region it's also the most affordable way to store your boat. The tips below can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.   Look for Certified Trailers  NMMA Trailer Logo. Highly trained third-party inspectors visit the manufacturer each year and physically inspect boat trailer models, ensuring compliance to all certification requirements.     Trailering your boat can add new dimensions to the freedom that comes with boating.  If you've never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First, determine the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Usually compact family sedans are not suitable for towing more than a small, aluminum fishing boat or PWC with a properly mounted hitch and lighting plug . Most standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but always consult your vehicle owner's manual for limitations.   The owner's manual of your boat will list the "dry” weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. When you're assessing your vehicle's towing capacity, be sure to add several hundred pounds to the dry weight to account for gear, gas and accessories.     As the weight, length and beam (width) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats (generally those more than 25 feet) may require additional hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it, trailer boaters are always happy to help.   STOP Invasive Species   By following these guidelines:   Never release live or dead bait or bait packaging into a water body, or release aquatic animals from one water body into another. Share live bait with other anglers or empty your bait bucket in the trash before leaving the area. Don't drive the boat through aquatic plants; avoid chopping vegetation with outboard motor propeller Once on dry land, drain water out of every conceivable place that can hold water: Follow factory guidelines for eliminating water from engines. All engines hold water, but jet drives on personal watercraft and other boats can hold extra water. Remove the stern drain plug and put boat on an incline so that all the water drains out. Drain livewells, bilge and transom wells. Empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc. Remove any visible plant, fish, and animal or fragment as well as mud, which can house them. Check trailer, in and around the boat itself, the anchor, props or steering nozzle (PWCs and jet boats), lines, fenders, paddles Rinse your boat, trailer, and equipment. Clean and dry anything that came in contact with the water. It is best to use high-pressure, hot (104°F) water or a solution of one percent table salt and water. A garden hose will work if no other option is available. Air-dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible—at least five days is optimal.               Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency published the Clean Water Act proposal in the Federal Register. The proposal will impose new, complex requirements on recreational boaters to follow specific practices in operating their boats and managing their everyday, overboard water discharges.   Mandated by a court order in 2006 that focused exclusively on commercial vessel ballast water, the proposal includes draft permits that are a new regulation on American recreational boaters, demonstrating the need to pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008 as these new regulations will take effect Oct. 1, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.   “Now more than ever, it is critical that we unite — as an industry and as boating enthusiasts — and compel Congress to pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008,” said the NMMA president Thom Dammrich in a statement. “Boaters everywhere must reach out to their state and local representatives and ask that they support this key piece of legislation.”   The Clean Boating Act of 2008 would fully and permanently restore a long-standing regulation that excludes recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements.   There are two proposed general EPA permits: one for boats under 79 feet, and another for recreational boats 80 feet and above. This second permit, which also encompasses commercial ships, is even more complicated than the first and makes an arbitrary and unreasonable distinction among recreational boats based on footage in order to classify them as commercial boats, according to the NMMA.   “It's complex and boaters will now have to follow requirements that are in the permit program,” Mathew Dunn, manager of natural resource and economic policy for the NMMA, told Soundings Trade Only. “The EPA says they're going to just automatically cover recreational boats under 79 feet. But the permit program also requires boaters to take certain actions, to do management practices; they may have to meet water quality affluent standards for their discharges.   “So they may be automatically covered by the permit, but in order to comply, how is the agency going to educate and inform the nation's 18 million boat operators what exactly they're supposed to do to comply with this new mandate?,” Dunn added.   Also, he said, the EPA says it can do this nationwide, which has not been tried before and could be the subject of a future lawsuit. The proposal also allows individual states to implement their own boating permits, creating the potential for mass confusion.   The EPA's proposal also would subject boaters to $32,500 per violation, per day in penalties.   “The more you dig into the details of this proposal, the more complex it becomes,” Dunn said. “This sort of uncertainty is not acceptable. If this is the best EPA can do, it just reiterates and reemphasizes the importance of passing the Clean Boating Act as soon as possible.”   Dunn said the bills have moved out of House and Senate committees and are waiting to be scheduled for a vote in both chambers of Congress.   The NMMA strongly encourages people who care about boating to attend these meetings and share their views on why they should not be exposed to the requirements and legal jeopardy this new permit program will entail. For specific dates and locations of these meetings, visit BoatBlue.org.   For information about the Clean Boating Act of 2008, visit BoatBlue.org or contact Dunn at (202) 737-9760; mdunn@nmma.org.

More U.S. senators from both parties have signed on to co-sponsor The Clean Boating Act of 2008, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.   In total, 22 senators have signed onto the legislation, which exempts recreational boaters and anglers from the federal and state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, and ensures recreational boaters and anglers will not need a federal permit to operate their boats.   “The most important thing from our standpoint is that the public realizes, and Congress realizes, the critical nature of this issue,” Scott Gudes, vice president of government relations for the NMMA, told Soundings Trade Only. “It is absolutely absurd to have an onerous federal permit system just to operate one's boat.”   Gudes also noted the importance of having a cross section of legislators from both parties supporting the bill.   The issue of new federal permits stems from a September 2006 U.S. District Court ruling that ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate ballast water discharges, and mandated a deadline of September 2008 to put it in place.   Although the litigation was aimed at ocean-going vessels, the court's ruling struck down an exemption that applied to the incidental discharges from all vessels, including recreational boats, since 1973.   The Clean Boating Act was introduced by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.   Others co-sponsoring the legislation are: David Vitter, R-La.; Ben Cardin, D-Md.; Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.; Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Larry Craig, R-Idaho; Jack Reed, D-R.I.; Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.; George Voinovich, R-Ohio; Carl Levin, D-Mich.; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Richard Burr, R-N.C.; Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.; Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Evan Bayh, D-Ind. and Bob Corker, R-Tenn.   The bill is in the Environment and Public Works Committee and needs a favorable report to move to the full Senate. From there, it would need the support of the U.S. House of Representatives before going to President George W. Bush for a signature.   For information about the Clean Boating Act of 2008, go to www.boatblue.org.

In what has to be the closest 11th hour scenario in the US recreational marine industry's history, President George W Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 into law. The president's signature prevents a "bureaucratic nightmare" for millions of US boaters as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also represents a significant lobbying victory for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and other boater groups that campaigned for the passage of the bill through both houses of Congress, all the way to the White House.   "The recreational marine industry and boaters throughout the US can now rest easy and go boating without a federal or state permit, heavy penalties and absurd legal jeopardy," said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of Government Relations, in a statement. "We applaud President Bush and Congress for their bipartisan efforts to reverse the unintended and potentially devastating consequences of an overbroad federal court decision."   In 2006, a US federal judge mandated that recreational boaters be included in a sweeping decision to issue permits for discharges from vessels using US waters, overturning a longstanding policy by the EPA to exempt recreational boaters from the same rules for commercial vessels and sewage treatment plants under the Clean Water Act.   The NMMA appealed the decision in federal court, but knew they were fighting against time. The EPA was set to implement the new permitting regulations for millions of US boaters by October 1, 2008.   The Clean Boating Act passed Congress in record time, especially during an election year. At one point, less than a month ago, some NMMA insiders seemed to be pessimistic about it being passed before the presidential election in November. They also worried that a new set of potentially onerous regulations would give boaters another reason to leave the sport.   This is welcome news for all recreational marine manufacturers across the country," said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president, in the statement. "We are thrilled that Congress and the President have prevented the bureaucratic nightmare that was set to become law.   A number of other boaters' groups like Boat/US also joined in the effort to back the Clean Boating Act. The association prompted its members to contact their Members of Congress to lobby for its passage. Articles about the EPA permitting scheme also began to appear regularly in mainstream US newspapers.   The real success of this campaign rests on the shoulders of this country's millions of recreational boaters and anglers. Without their loud collective voice, we would not have reached this momentous event.   Passage of this legislation is a testament to what is possible when our community joins forces and speaks with one voice before key decision-makers

Summer, swimming and boating are all synonymous with having a good time on the water. Whether you are on a boat or on a dock, when the heat of the sun kicks into high gear, your first impulse is to head for the water.   Swimming off a boat or dock can be refreshing, but safety has to be the first consideration. Unfortunately, it is the swimming accidents and statistics about these accidents that stick in our minds.   What to do if you see Electric Shock Drowning   According to ESFI, The Electrical Safety Foundation International, a premier non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, the following should regarding potential Electric Shock Drowning:     Do not enter the water.     • Turn off the source of power     • Call 911     • Use an insulated device (such as fiberglass rescue crook) to attempt to remove the victim from the water     If a swimmer is experiencing difficulty, such as paralysis, don't let anyone jump in the water! Get the dock power turned off immediately. Most docks have an emergency shut off switch. Contact your dockmaster for its location, or about getting one installed. Anyone using the dock should know where the emergency switch is located.   To assist the swimmer who has been shocked, get a nonmetal device. Stay away from the dock's metal swim ladders.     Electricity can seep into the water from a boat, hot tub, pool or marina. Swimmers can also experience electric shock when reaching for a metal ladder (mentioned above) that has been in the water with electrical current.   The Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people on the risks of electric shock drowning, has recorded 84 cases in the U.S. since 1986. It may seem like a low number of fatalities, but if it is someone you love who dies, one death is too many.   The best way to avoid electric shock is to install ground fault devices on power sources at the breaker. A ground fault device protects the entire power source from its start and prevents the current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault (contact between an energized conductor and the ground).   Swimming off the dock in a marina.             Please don't do it. It is a dangerous adventure that can quickly turn fatal. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD), will most likely be fatal. It happens when 120-volt AC (alternating current) from nearby boats, or docks electrocutes or incapacitates swimmers in freshwater. As swimmers enter the water the electricity  paralyzes their muscles, causing the person to drown.     Swimming off a boat                               Electric Shock Drowning happens in freshwater and many times involves a swimmer making contact with a metal ladder that is electrically charged. If a swimmer is attempting to board your boat and feels any tingling or paralysis:     • don't jump in the water     • turn off all power on the boat     • Call 911, the marine police, coast guard, or coastguard auxiliary to get help underway.      • Use wooden oars or some nonmetal objects to rescue the swimmer.   More safety features when swimming off a boat       • With swimmers in the water, one adult who knows how to operate the boat should be on board at all times.    • All engines should be off before swimmers enter the water    • A flotation device attached to a tow rope or line secured to the boat should be in the water for a swimmer to grab if needed.        Keeping your boat safe   Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs. Ask marina operators if they are aware of and following the guidelines from NFPA 303 (Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555. Never use household extension cords on your boat. Shore power cords meeting UL standards are required. Your boat can be tested and inspected for electricity leaks by a qualified electrician trained to ABYC standards. Whether in freshwater or saltwater, never dive on your boat for repairs while connected to shore power. ESD How does it happen              ESD is caused by alternating current (AC) flowing through fresh water encountering a human body. The current tries to pass through the body and causes skeletal muscular paralysis, which ultimately results in a drowning. The above picture shows you how the current flows.     There are many devices that can be installed in the water near your boat, dock or pool to detect electrical leaks that could lead to electric shock. One example is. It is used for boats, pools, and marinas. The ShockAlarm is easy to test and continually monitors while in the water. One user said it had detected electricity in the water on several occasions before swimmers were about to enter. Users suggest that this alarm is in the water at all times when swimmers are present.   Swimming during the summer or anytime should be enjoyable, refreshing, and safe. Have a great summer on the water.   Fair Winds. Smooth Sailing.   ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2020